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The best bulk food stores in Toronto aren't just for the thrifty. With their vast selection, these stores can be the most reliable source for hard-to-find spices, a saviour for singles sick of pantries stocked with family-sizes, and eco-conscious shoppers looking to lay off the extra packaging.

When a trip to Bulk Barn just won't do, here are the best alternative bulk food stores in Toronto.

Johnvince Foods

Housed in a warehouse, this North York wholesaler lets the general public in on 10,000 square feet of bulk goodness. Expect to find rows upon rows of open bins filled with brightly-coloured candies, chocolates, nuts, spices, teas and grains.

2

Domino's Foods

Located on the lower floor in St. Lawrence Market, this purveyor of dry goods is a convenient spot to fill up on pantry essentials. Here you’ll find the supporting players for all your fresh market purchases, like dried herbs and spices, grains, and olive oils, in as large or as small a quantity as you'd like.

3

House of Spices

This Kensington Market stalwart is one of Toronto's best deals for bulk spices, nuts, dried fruit, coffee beans and rice. Here, you’ll find a world of dry spices pre-packed, sealed and priced in various sizes, so there's no need to go through the trouble (or sticker shock) of weighing your bounty.

4

Tavazo Dried Nuts and Fruit

Located in Thornhill, this purveyor of Persian delicacies stocks a second-to-none selection of pistachios, Iranian snack mixes, and sweets like nougats and pastries. Not only is this shop clean, but it’s also way more stylish than your average bulk barn, and they offer pre-packaged and made-to-order gift baskets too.

5

Tutti Frutti

The organic food mart in Kensington carries a standard selection of nuts, grains, spices and dried fruits. Everything is contained in closed bins, with scoops and plastic baggies provided for helping yourself. Go here for hard to find spices and cheap prices on spelt, rice flour and organic cereals.

6

Nuthouse

It’s hard not to love this Bloor and Lansdowne bulk retailer - after all, there's a giant walnut advertising its storefront. Crack the exterior and you’ll find that the inside is just as delightful, with a clean, open layout and a selective assortment of nuts and nut butters, coffees, chocolates, grains, dried fruits and beans.

7

Casa Acoreana

Occupying a prime corner lot at Baldwin and Augusta, Casa Acoreana is part coffee bar and part grocer. The coffee shop serves up Reunion Island espressos, while next door customers let themselves be tempted by the massive assortment of chocolates and candies on display.

8

Strictly Bulk

Buy all your pantry essentials by weight at the three Toronto locations of this serviceable neighbourhood bulk emporium. Dealing mainly in dry food items like nuts, spices, coffee, chocolate and cookies, the varied selection also includes eco-friendly cleaning products, chips, teas and organic milk.

9

Karma Co-Op

Servicing mainly the Annex community in which it resides, this member-owned, not-for-profit corner store carries over 200 bulk food items and eco-conscious sundries, health supplements, fresh groceries and packaged goods.